Transat Jacques Vabre Race - Damage to Multi 50 Maitre Jacques

The Multi 50 Maitre Jacques which was challenging for the lead of the Multi 50 class of the Transat Jacques Vabre double handed race from Le Havre to Itajaí, Brasil is making for La Coruna, NW Spain after the two co-skippers Loïc Fequet and Loïc Escoffier suddenly realised they had sustained damage to the front of their trimaran’s starboard float.

It was around 13:30 UTC early this Saturday afternoon when they were sailing in big seas at speeds of between 20 and 28 knots on starboard tack in 25 knot winds and 4-5 meter waves, when the French duo suddenly heard two cracks and realised that the front section of the their trimaran’s starboard float was damaged.

Together both skippers immediately dropped the mainsail and are currently only under ORC (a small headsail). The two sailors did not set off their Sarsat beacon or request help and are on course for La Coruna which was 130 miles to their SE where they should reach early tomorrow morning (Sunday)
Loïc Fequet skipper, Master Jacques, joined by radio this afternoon reported:

'We were making between 20 and 28 knots at 30 degrees to the wind . We heard a loud crack followed by a second and immediately saw that the starboard float was damaged, between its front and the crossbeam. There were 4-5 meter waves. We are on the way to La Coruna. It stops at the crossbeam which is the most reinforced part but it moves a bit in the waves bit it is not getting worse at the moment. No one is hurt, the boat, well we will see. We are very disappointed, but the main thing is no one is hurt. Last night was hard but we took gusts of 40kts and big seas. There was no particular shock, but the boat is from 2005.'